purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Ovation'
Overview
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Ovation') is an amazing plant species, known for its long lasting beauty and ability to attract wildlife. It produces a mix of deep purple and magenta flowers with coneflower-like centers on tall wiry stems, beginning in mid-summer and lasting into early autumn. The leaves are lance-shaped and pointed, emerging green and then turning grey-green when mature. Not only is this plant easy to care for, but it is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Its purple flowers are an irresistible source of nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, and its coneflower-like centres provide a rich source of seed for birds. With its striking colour and robust growth, the Purple Coneflower is a stunning addition to any garden!
Care Guide
Watering
Water purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Ovation') regularly and deeply. It prefers moist but well-drained soil. During the first growing season, water deeply once every week to ensure that the soil is evenly moist. Once the plant is established, water it deeply every 7 to 10 days or when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry. In periods of extreme heat or drought, you may need to water more frequently.
Light
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Ovation') thrives best in full sunlight. For optimal growth and flower production, it requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily throughout the growing season, spring through fall. It can also tolerate some light shade, though it will produce fewer flowers in lower light.
Soil
Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3–8.
Pruning
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Ovation') should be pruned in the spring, once the danger of frost has passed. Prune off any dead or damaged stems, as well as any spindly shoots or suckers, and reduce the plant by 1/3 to 1/2 if it has become leggy or overcrowded. If needed, you can divide the plant into smaller clumps and re-plant them in the garden. Pruning can also be done in the fall after flowering has finished. Deadhead the flowers to help with seed production.
Propagation
Seed Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies.
Diseases & Pests
Common pests: Leaf miner insect, Pest resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant .
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